Question 1

What are your hours of operation?

Accepted Answer

We offer pet sitting visits starting at 7:00am and as late as 9:30pm, every day of the week.

While your pets are in our care, you have unlimited, 24/7, phone support.

Question 2

Will I be able to meet my sitter before we leave town?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we always set up a meet & greet so you can make sure everything is a good fit. We want you to feel comfortable with our service and we want you to know that your pets are in good hands.

Question 3

Is the meet n’ greet free?

Accepted Answer

Yes the first meet and greet is free. Any additional meet and greets will be charged $15 or more depending on length of time.

Question 4

Do you offer phone or text customer support while I'm away?

Accepted Answer

Yes, call  or text anytime. We offer as much phone support as you like while your pets are in our care.

Question 5

Do you have references?

Accepted Answer

Yes we have great references! You could also find great reviews on Google.

Question 6

Do you have an app?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We use an online management system called Time To Pet for all of our scheduling needs. Once you sign up for our service, you will receive a unique login and password. There you will have the option of altering your pet’s routine, request schedule changes, view payment history, update credit cards, and more! You can download the app or use the website, its all up to you!

Question 7

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have specialized insurance – specific to pet sitting & dog walking.

Question 8

Do you offer service pet sitting over the holidays?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer service on all holidays. Please note, major holidays such as the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas book quickly. It is best to schedule your holiday visits in advance.

Question 9

Do you board pets?

Accepted Answer

At this time there is no boarding available in my personal home.

Question 10

How is payment handled?

Accepted Answer

We accept card payments through our app, or cash , check or Venmo ( CorinneBard-24) 
I typically give clients about a week after they return to settle up their invoice.

Question 11

How are my keys handled?

Accepted Answer

We have two options. We can give you a lockbox that you can hide and program ($5 per week to rent). This way your keys will always stay at your house. Or, we can keep keys on file.

Question 12

Do you have a backup sitters?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have one IC who is full time. In the event that I am unable to make it to a visit, she is more then happy to help.

Question 13

What if my trip runs long or my flight is delayed?

Accepted Answer

We always keep a few open slots in our schedule in the situation that your trip runs long or you would just like to add an extra day to your vacation. Please keep in contact with us and we will make sure your pets are covered. 
There are no last-minute booking fees if you extend your trip.

Question 14

Should we give you parking passes to make your visits easier?

Accepted Answer

If you can, yes! Please provide us with zone passes if you reside on a street that is parking permit required. We really appreciate this.

Question 15

Can I tip my walker?

Accepted Answer

Of course! We encourage you to show your appreciation of your walker’s dedication and good service. If you do choose to tip, please tip your walker in cash or separate check.

Question 16

Will my walker arrive at the exact time we request?

Accepted Answer

Your walker will arrive during a two-hour time window. So if you schedule a visit for 1PM, the two-hour window is between 12PM to 2PM. We cannot, unfortunately, guarantee a specific time within that time window due to the potential for unexpected delays that walkers may encounter throughout their day.

Question 17

What happens in the case of inclement weather?

Accepted Answer

The team at PurrEssence does our very best to ensure pet care is provided in all weather but our staff’s safety is very important to us. For this reason, we require all clients to keep an emergency contact on file. Historically we have had no problems completing visits even in the worst of snow storms by shortening or readjusting visits as needed!

Question 18

How much notice do you need to book services?

Accepted Answer

As our schedule fills on a first-come-first-serve basis, we recommend you book with us as soon as you know you have a need for pet care. We will do our best to accommodate you.
Please note that booking less than 48 hours in advance may result in an additional fee.

Question 19

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Please message us as soon as you know. Cancellations must be received within 8 hours of scheduled visit or a cancellation fee of $10 will apply.

Question 20

What length of visits should I book?

Accepted Answer

Every pet is different. When we first go in we take care of food/water and let them outside, once we are done with that the remaining time we use to have play or cuddle sessions. We could always adjust the timing if pets are being shy or if they want more attention .

Question 21

Do you walk more than one dog at a time?

Accepted Answer

Not unless there is more then one dog in the home. We give individual attention to the pets we are walking.

Question 22

How much experience do you have?

Accepted Answer

Between having an animal rescue in my home growing up and working as a veterinary technician, I've come in contact with over 150,000 different pets. I have taken courses in animal body language and Fear Free training. With just one look I know what they are feeling.

Currently only taking client for BRISTOL CT

Frequently asked questions